Cristian Pache saw action in two regular-season games and then notched 22 postseason at-bats last year as the Atlanta Braves introduced this then-21-year-old to the big leagues.
Now, at the ripe age of 22, Braves coach Eric Young says that not only is the top prospect's game ready to thrive in Major League Baseball, Pache's head is in the right place too.
Young joined Dukes & Bell on Wednesday to discuss Opening Day.
"The surprise of camp is [Cristian] Pache's maturation," Eric Young told Dukes & Bell. "Just coming into camp with more confidence in his abilities, not just defensively -- we know he can go bring the ball down, we know he can throw well. But offensively, you can see a more confident bat in the batter's box."
Pache was 4 for 22 at the plate as he played in all three of the Braves' postseason series. He drove in four runs, amassed two extra-base hits, and got primed for a full-season run in 2021. Known as a defensive gem, Young is expecting that to show in Atlanta in 2021 and for the big stage not to be overwhelming for Pache.
"He's going to be a tremendous boost to us," said Young. "It's not really a surprise, but I'm expecting good things. He's not going to perform like a rookie. He's going to make some rookie mistakes but he won't be considered a rookie out there. He's going to be my leader in the outfield directing and making sure [Ronald] Acuña [Jr.] and [Marcell] Ozuna are in the right place."
ZIPS projects Pache to hit .238 and belt 13 home runs for the Braves this season. His .184 batting average this spring may predict some struggles at the plate, especially early on. But Young doesn't seem to think much will dissuade this rookie, who won't play much like a first-year starter.